Feather’s Crafts: Bitten By The Knitting Bug

Hello Everyone!

As you can see from the title, I am currently obsessed with knitting…not crochet, knitting, as in with two needles. That’s right! I’ve recently learned how to knit. So far, I haven’t knitted anything significant just yet. All I’ve managed to knit are swatches, just to see what I can do. However, I’ve started a project that would probably take at least two months to complete. It’s an ambitious project, especially for a beginner like me.

It’s a mouthful of a title, but hey, it’s what it’s called. Personally, I would probably call it the Country Cosy, it’s more apt. Anyway, read on for the update of my current knitting adventure.

In The Beginning

For someone who has had previous experience in the crafting arts, I’d say it was fairly easy for me to learn how to knit. Admittedly, I did try before Christmas, while I was making the stockings for my family, and learning how to cast on, and how to create the first few rows of knit stitches and purl stitches, I found it difficult, but this time around, it was much easier to learn.

First of all, there are specific ways to cast on and knit. When I started, I thought it didn’t matter which way you inserted the needle into the loop, but when I looked at the way the stitches fell, and how it looked, I knew I did it wrong. It took me several tries to get it right, and it was a painstaking process to undo what I had done, to get to the right loop that I made the mistake on. In all, it was a very tedious job.

The Difference

Ok, so what is the difference between crochet and knitting, for those of you who are knitting novices. Crochet is knitting with one needle, whereas knitting itself is done with two needles. Each one has their different qualities. In knitting, the “Vs” of the stitches are visible, and pretty much defines the garment that is knitted. In crochet the “Vs” of the stitches are somewhat hidden, unless you work in their back loops or back posts.

In my personal opinion, I think crochet is much more detailed and patterned than knitting. Knitting is more for actual clothes and blankets, if you want something to cover you and warm you. Crochet is for, pretty much, everything else. You can use it for clothing, blankets, decorations and items that you’d use every day, such as baskets, boxes, etc.

If I’m being completely honest, I prefer crochet. It’s simpler than knitting, and you can get a lot more out of it, than knitting. I know there are people who’ll say that knitting is easier to learn and do, but if you think about it, in crochet, you have a hook to catch the yarn you’re working with, so you don’t have to fiddle around with wrapping it around the needle.

Back to the Project

So, as I mentioned earlier, I’ll be working on a blanket for the next month or two, because I want to see how my knitting projects work out, because I will eventually make up my own patterns when I get better at it. As for now, no I will not sell the blanket, at this point in time, because it is not a pattern I’ve made. However, if you know how to knit and you’re interested in this pattern too, you can find it over at LoveKnitting.com. In fact, you can find a lot of great knitting and crochet patterns, if you want.

I’ve only recently found this website too!

So, that’s it. That’s my knitting adventure this week. It’s time for you to let us know what you think about knitting (no it’s not just a granny’s sport, because, trust me, it’s so much harder than you think). Do you know how to knit? What are you favourite patterns and projects? Which do you find easier, crochet or knitting? Let us know in the comments below and I’ll see you guys soon.